10 Best Active Adult (55+) Communities to Retire in 2027
10 Best Active Adult (55+) Communities to Retire in 2027
Direct Answer
The best overall 55+ community to retire in 2027 is The Villages, Florida, the largest active-adult community in the country, with over 750 holes of golf, no state income tax, and homes from the mid-$200,000s to over $1 million. The best value pick is Sun City, Arizona, the original Del Webb community, with resale homes frequently under $300,000 and extensive amenities.
This list is for retirees who want a purpose-built, amenity-rich community designed for residents 55 and older, with built-in social life, recreation, and often healthcare nearby. Picks span Florida, Arizona, the Carolinas, and Nevada. Every community below is real, and they are ranked on amenities, home value, location and climate, healthcare access, and social activity using developer data, Census, and 55places market figures.
1. The Villages, Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Villages, north of Orlando, is the largest active-adult community in the U.S., home to more than 145,000 residents. It offers over 750 holes of golf, dozens of recreation centers, pools, and a nightly entertainment scene across its town squares.
Homes range from the mid-$200,000s for "designer" models to over $1 million for premier homes, and Florida's no state income tax boosts the appeal. Golf carts are a primary mode of transport across the connected community. UF Health and other facilities serve the area.
It ranks #1 because no other community matches its scale, amenity depth, and built-in social infrastructure, all in a no-income-tax warm-weather state. It is for retirees who want a fully self-contained, highly active community.
2. Sun City, Arizona 💎 BEST VALUE
Sun City, near Phoenix, is the original Del Webb active-adult community, opened in 1960. It offers multiple recreation centers, golf courses, pools, and clubs for its roughly 38,000 residents, all governed by a low-cost recreation association.
The standout is value: resale homes frequently sell under $300,000, well below newer communities, and Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax with no Social Security tax helps. The dry desert climate is mild in winter and hot in summer. Banner Boswell Medical Center is on-site.
It earns Best Value because its mature amenities and sub-$300,000 homes deliver active-adult living for far less than newer developments. It is for budget-conscious retirees wanting established amenities.
3. Laguna Woods Village, California
Laguna Woods Village in Orange County offers golf, an equestrian center, pools, and 200+ clubs for its roughly 18,000 residents, in a near-ideal Southern California climate. The median home price runs near $400,000 for its condos and co-ops — affordable for coastal California.
California taxes income but exempts Social Security, and the mild year-round weather and proximity to beaches and Saddleback Medical Center are major draws. HOA and Mello-Roos costs are the main caveat.
It ranks here for retirees wanting a coastal-California climate and dense amenities at condo prices.
4. On Top of the World, Florida
On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida, offers golf, pools, fitness centers, and dozens of clubs across a large gated community. Homes range from the low $200,000s to the $500,000s, more affordable than The Villages.
Florida's no income tax and Ocala's lower insurance and home costs (inland, away from the coast) make it budget-friendly. AdventHealth Ocala serves the area. The climate is warm year-round.
It earns its spot for retirees wanting Villages-style amenities at a lower price point in a more affordable Florida metro.
5. Sun City Hilton Head, South Carolina
Sun City Hilton Head, in Bluffton, is the largest active-adult community in the Carolinas, with three golf courses, multiple amenity complexes, and a community near 17,000 residents. Homes range from the $300,000s to over $700,000.
South Carolina exempts Social Security, offers a retirement-income deduction, and has low property taxes near 0.5%. The Lowcountry climate is warm, and Hilton Head's beaches are nearby. Hurricane risk exists on the coast.
It ranks here for retirees wanting a large Carolina coastal-adjacent community with low property taxes and golf.
6. Sun City Summerlin, Nevada
Sun City Summerlin, in Las Vegas, offers three golf courses, four recreation centers, and a community near 14,000 residents in the foothills west of the city. Homes range from the $350,000s to the $700,000s.
Nevada's no state income tax and low property taxes near 0.5% are strong advantages. The dry desert climate is mild in winter, and Las Vegas entertainment and Summerlin Hospital are minutes away. Summer heat is the trade-off.
It earns its spot for retirees wanting no income tax, desert warmth, and big-city amenities near a major community.
7. Trilogy at Vistancia, Arizona
Trilogy at Vistancia, in Peoria near Phoenix, is a Shea Homes community known for its resort-style Kiva Club, golf, and modern amenities. Homes range from the high $300,000s to over $700,000.
Arizona's low flat income tax and no Social Security tax apply. The community skews toward newer, upscale homes and an active lifestyle, with healthcare nearby in the Phoenix metro. Summer heat is the main caveat.
It ranks here for retirees wanting a newer, upscale Arizona community with modern resort amenities.
8. Latitude Margaritaville, Florida
Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach is a Jimmy Buffett-themed 55+ community with a band shell, beach club shuttle, pools, and a lively entertainment focus. Homes range from the $300,000s to the $500,000s.
Florida's no income tax applies, and the Atlantic-coast location adds beach access. Halifax Health serves Daytona. The themed, music-driven social scene is the distinguishing feature. Coastal insurance is the caveat.
It earns its spot for retirees wanting a fun, music-themed community with a strong entertainment culture near the beach.
9. Robson Ranch, Texas
Robson Ranch in Denton, north of Dallas, offers golf, a fitness center, pickleball, and an active clubhouse for residents 45+. Homes range from the $300,000s to over $600,000.
Texas's no state income tax and senior property-tax exemptions help, though base property taxes are high near 1.6%. The North Texas climate has warm summers and mild winters, with major Dallas-area hospitals nearby.
It ranks here for retirees wanting a no-income-tax community with full amenities near a major metro's healthcare.
10. Brunswick Forest, North Carolina
Brunswick Forest near Wilmington offers a fitness and wellness center, pools, trails, and a coastal setting for all ages, with strong retiree appeal. Homes range from the $350,000s to over $700,000.
North Carolina exempts Social Security and has a low flat income tax. The coastal climate is warm, beaches are nearby, and Novant Health Brunswick serves the area. It is age-targeted rather than strictly 55+, offering a mix of residents.
It earns tenth for retirees wanting a coastal North Carolina community with wellness amenities and beach access.
How to Choose
- Understand the HOA and amenity fees. Active-adult communities charge monthly or annual fees that fund the amenities; budget these alongside the mortgage and taxes.
- Match amenities to your actual hobbies. Golf-heavy communities like The Villages suit golfers; if you prefer fitness, pickleball, or arts, confirm those specific facilities are strong.
- Weigh age-restricted versus age-targeted. Strict 55+ communities guarantee a peer environment; age-targeted communities (Brunswick Forest) offer more generational mix.
- Factor state taxes into the location. Florida, Texas, and Nevada communities offer no income tax; California taxes income but exempts Social Security.
- Confirm on-site or nearby healthcare. Communities like Sun City (Banner Boswell on-site) reduce travel for care; verify hospital proximity before choosing.
FAQ
What is an active adult (55+) community exactly? An active-adult community is a residential development designed for residents typically 55 and older, with at least one occupant meeting the age requirement. They feature shared amenities — golf, pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, and organized clubs — plus single-level or low-maintenance homes and an HOA that runs the social and recreational programming.
The goal is a peer community with built-in activities and minimal home upkeep.
Which 55+ community offers the best value? Sun City, Arizona offers the best value, with mature amenities and resale homes frequently under $300,000 — well below newer communities — plus Arizona's low income tax. On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida is another strong value, pairing extensive amenities with homes from the low $200,000s in a no-income-tax state.
Are these communities good for healthcare access? Many are located near or even include hospitals. Sun City has Banner Boswell on-site, Sun City Summerlin is minutes from Summerlin Hospital, and The Villages has multiple facilities in the area. As with any retirement choice, confirm the proximity and quality of the nearest hospital system, especially for specialist care.
How much do amenities and HOA fees cost in these communities? Fees vary widely, typically from a few hundred dollars a year (Sun City Arizona's low recreation-association dues) to several hundred dollars a month in newer resort-style communities. These fees fund the golf, pools, fitness centers, and programming, so factor them into your monthly budget alongside the mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
Bottom Line
For most retirees seeking a community lifestyle, The Villages, Florida is the Best Overall 55+ community to retire in 2027, with unmatched scale, 750+ holes of golf, a nightly social scene, and no state income tax. The Best Value pick is Sun City, Arizona, where mature amenities and resale homes under $300,000 deliver active-adult living for less.
Sources
- 55places.com — active-adult community profiles and pricing
- Del Webb / Shea Homes / developer sites — community amenity and home data
- U.S. Census Bureau — community population data
- Tax Foundation — state income and property tax data (taxfoundation.org)
- Zillow Home Value Index — community-area home prices
- AARP — Best Places to Retire (aarp.org)
- Local hospital systems — healthcare facility data
- U.S. News & World Report — Best Places to Retire